Beyfortus (nirsevimab or nirsevimab-alip) is an injection given to babies and children up to 24 months old. It's used to prevent them from getting very sick from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's not an RSV vaccine. Instead, it's a monoclonal antibody that gives protection against the virus for a short time. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is now part of the CDC Child Immunization Schedule. The usual dosage is 1 to 2 injections into the muscle during or at the start of the RSV season. It's well-tolerated with only a few side effects.
Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children of certain ages
Newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season
Children up to 24 months old at risk of severe RSV illness through their second RSV season
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is a type of monoclonal antibody. It attaches to a specific protein found on RSV (called the prefusion F protein).
By attaching to this protein, it prevents RSV from getting into cells and spreading in the body. This helps protect against RSV and lower the risk of serious illness if you do get sick from it.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Given during one medical visit
Can lower the risk of severe RSV-related illness by about 70% in full-term and premature babies
Not many side effects
Injection can be uncomfortable
Protection might only last for about 5 months
Not known if it's safe or if it works well for children older than 24 months
Your child should get Beyfortus (nirsevimab) at the start of or during the RSV season. It's usually between late fall and early spring. Ask your child's pediatrician about when RSV season begins in your area. This can help you plan out when your child should get the injection.
Your child could get a rash after getting Beyfortus (nirsevimab). There could also be pain and swelling where the injection was given. These side effects usually happen within 1 to 2 weeks of the injection. But they should go away in a few days. Talk to a healthcare professional about ways to help relieve these side effects.
If your child got Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for their first RSV season, ask the pediatrician if they should get it again for the next season. This usually depends on if your child is still at high risk of getting very sick from RSV.
Even though Beyfortus (nirsevimab) can lower your child's risk of RSV, they could still get infected and get sick. Watch out for symptoms of RSV. They include a stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat, and a low-grade fever.
If your child has heart surgery, talk to the pediatrician. Your child might need an extra dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) afterwards. Heart surgery might affect the levels of the antibody medication in the body. So an extra dose helps make sure your child is still protected enough from RSV.
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Some children have had serious allergic reactions after getting Beyfortus (nirsevimab). These reactions can include hives, trouble breathing, or weak muscles. Anaphylaxis has also happened with other monoclonal antibody medications. This can be life-threatening.
If your child has trouble breathing, a severe rash, or swelling in their face, get medical help right away.
Risk factors: History of bleeding problems | History of low platelets | Taking blood-thinning medication
Tell your child's healthcare professional about if they have a history of bleeding problems, like low platelets. Also make sure to give them a list of your child's current medications. They can check if your child is taking any blood-thinning medications.
If this is the case, your child might still be able to receive Beyfortus (nirsevimab). But their healthcare team will want to keep an eye on them for any bleeding after the injection.
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is injected into the front side of the thigh muscle. It's injected by a trained healthcare professional.
Newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season
Weigh less than 5 kg (11 lbs): The typical dose is 50 mg given as one injection.
Weigh 5 kg (11 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 100 mg given as one injection.
Children up to 24 months old at risk of severe RSV illness in their second RSV season
The typical dose is 200 mg, given as two 100 mg injections during one office visit.
Note: Children who need heart surgery might need an extra dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) afterwards.
Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children of certain ages
Newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season
Children up to 24 months old at risk of severe RSV illness through their second RSV season
Babies born premature and are 6 months or younger at the start of RSV season
Children diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) within the last 6 months, and are 2 years or younger at the start of RSV season
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and are 2 years or younger at the start of RSV season
By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) preventive antibody: Immunization information statement (IIS).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Child immunization schedule notes.
Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (2024). Beyfortus- nirsevimab injection [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves new drug to prevent RSV in babies and toddlers.
Wilkins, D., et al. (2023). Durability of neutralizing RSV antibodies following nirsevimab administration and elicitation of the natural immune response to RSV infection in infants. Nature Medicine.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.